It’s the most wonderful time of the year! And, let’s face it, it’s the time of year where all our willpower goes out of the window. It’s definitely a time for hibernation, sitting on the sofa, watching Christmas films and stuffing your face with chocolate. I love to do this as much as the next girl, believe me! But this year I’m making a conscious effort to continue to focus on feeling good.

For me feeling good means having lots of energy, feeling well rested, feeling upbeat and motivated. To ensure this happens over the Christmas period I’ll make sure I tick off these feel good tips.

• Don’t drink too much alcohol. Yep, I’ve said it! Over the Christmas period it’s more likely your alcohol intake will increase. A bucksfizz (Mimosa for my American readers) at breakfast, a red wine over dinner, vegan Bailey at deserts. It’s all too tempting, but then the next day when you feel groggy and sick and your head hurts you decide to do it all over again on boxing day, and again the day after that, let’s not get started on New Years Eve! By January 1st you are probably 40% proof and ready for a detox. But it doesn’t have to be this way. Yes, drinking is fun but it’s important to know your limits. You don’t have a different liver just because it’s Christmas and you need to give your body a chance to rest and recover. It you are wanting to hold on to your top notch health over Christmas then swap a few of your alcoholic beverages for water or non-alcoholic cocktails.
• Get outside and go for a stroll. Being outdoors, in the fresh air, surrounded by nature is not only good for your cardiovascular health, it makes you feel better emotionally and mentally. We have a tendency to become that little bit lazier over the festive period, and rightly so. You’ve worked hard all year and this is the perfect time to take a good, long rest. But, just 30 minutes outside each day can normalise your sleep schedule, expose you to much needed vitamin D, unplug you from your electronic devices, giving you time to mentally recharge. It lowers your cortisol levels and your blood pressure and will help you shift that 3rd mince pie. Beside all of these amazing benefits being outdoors is fun!
• Eat right! You’re probably thinking there is absolutely no way you’re going to watch what you eat over the Christmas period. But, hear me out, I don’t mean you have to refrain from eating, I’m saying eat right! Less meat (or no meat if you can), more veggies, dates, fruit, nuts, cover everything in dark chocolate and feast until your heart is content. Christmas doesn’t mean your body no longer needed vitamins. You’ll be more likely to avoid that January cold too!

Take time over the festive period to spend quality time with the people you love, switch your phone off and give them your undivided attention. Fill up on feel good foods, don’t overdo it on the works do and make sure you get some fresh air every day.

Have a wonderful Christmas, continue to practice yoga and mediate daily. I’ll see you in the New Year.